Wild Fire! An intro to Raku

Description

Wild Fire! An Intro to Raku Sundays, March 8th and 22nd | 1:00 - 4:00 pm Please note this is a course - you are signing up for both sessions. Minimum age: 14 Registration Fee: $145 Material fee: $55 paid in cash to the instructor at the beginning of the first class for firing fees associated with raku fuel and glaze. Clay sold separately as needed by the student. Jump into the exciting world of Raku, an alternative firing method with roots in 16th century Japan, where red-hot pots are pulled from the kiln in a transformational process. Raku embraces experimentation and highlights the alchemy of clay and glaze, producing unpredictable effects that are simply not possible with other firing methods. This short-form course will feature a greenware instruction day, open studio time for finishing work, and a glazing/firing day. Prior experience working with clay within the last 5 years is required, as students will be finishing their greenware independently during GMAEC open studio hours (Wednesdays 4-7, Fridays and Saturdays 11 - 4). Hand building and/or wheel throwing skills are welcome (students will split time on the wheels if necessary). The class will focus on a few methods of decoration, including crackle glazes and copper reduction. Decorative and sculptural work will be the emphasis, as Raku pieces are not considered food safe. Given the short time frame, students can expect to create and fire a few vase-sized pieces that will need to be well-constructed to survive the thermal shock of this unique firing method. The final class session will be a celebratory affair with beverages and snacks welcome, as there will be time to socialize while we wait for the kiln to heat up each batch of work. About the instructor: Instructor: Mitchell Oliver: a Paonia based artist who has worked in various residencies and universities across the Southeast, Midwest, and Colorado. Most recently, he taught undergraduate ceramics at the School of Mines in Golden, CO and was the 2025 Artist in Residence at the Foothills Art Center where he helped establish a new ceramics studio. Through craft and intentionality, his ceramic objects invite users to consider their daily routines and rituals while reflecting on the histories, industries, and cultures that influence them. Visit his website to learn more and see his pottery: mitchelloliver.com/ceramics For more information or with registration questions contact Robin Luster at robin.gmaec@gmail.com or 970.856.5505